Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses called orthoebolaviruses, which cause serious illness and can lead to death without treatment. The incubation period for Ebola disease is 2 to 21 days after exposure to an orthoebolavirus, with symptoms beginning 8-10 days after exposure on average.
Early “dry” symptoms include fever, muscle aches and pains, headaches, sore throat, and fatigue. After four or five days, symptoms can progress to “wet” symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and unexplained bleeding.
Ebola disease spreads through contact with bodily fluids of an infected sick or dead person. People with Ebola are only contagious once they begin experiencing symptoms. Ebola cannot spread from person to person through the air. People are at risk of being infected with Ebola if they are caring for someone with Ebola or if they have traveled to a country where there is an Ebola outbreak.
For potentially infected patients who have not arrived at your office, call your local health department for advice about medical care. Tell the health department about your patient’s recent travel from a country with an Ebola outbreak and what their symptoms are so they can help you identify the best healthcare facility for your patient to go to, if needed. The health department can help the facility prepare to provide care for your patient and can help you take any precautions needed.
If you can't reach your health department and you need urgent support, calling ahead before going to Emergency Department (ED) about the patient helps the facility prepare for their arrival and have the necessary precautions.
If you think your patient might have Ebola:
- Notify your local health department*
- Facilitate transferring to an appropriate ED
- Be prepared to outline instructions for the patient so a coordinated arrival to the ED is determined by facility and patient; this includes instructions on parking and entering the facility.
- Make a list with contact information of everyone in the office (staff, patients, etc.) and be prepared to share this with public health* to help assist in appropriate notification and determining their exposure risk.
*Immediately contact your local health department or regional health office and the DSHS infectious disease unit at 1-800 705-8868 for further instructions. DSHS authorization is required before submitting specimens for testing.
Below are additional resources on the current Ebola outbreak and clinical guidance.
Health Advisories, Travel Health Notices, and Outbreak Status Updates
CDC Health Advisory: Ebola Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
CDC Ebola Disease: Current Situation
CDC Travel Health Notices
CDC Information for Travelers Returning from Ebola-Affected Areas
WHO Notice: Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda
Clinical Guidance
CDC Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
DSHS 2026 Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Guidelines (EAIDG)
DSHS Texas Ebola Testing Process
CDC What Clinicians Should Know about Ebola Bundibugyo Virus
CDC Clinical Guidance for Ebola Disease
CDC Guide for Clinicians Evaluating an Ill Person for a Special Pathogen
CDC Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients in U.S. Hospitals who are Suspected or Confirmed to have Selected Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF)
CDC Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for VHFs
NOTE: This information, which is consistent with CDC guidelines that exist on the topic, was compiled from various multi-specialty groups in Texas. As the Ebola situation continues to change and evolve, TMA encourages physicians to constantly monitor any new guidance and advice from the CDC, WHO, and Texas Department of State Health Services.
DISCLAIMER: This publication is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this publication does not constitute medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This publication does not substitute for clinicians’ own professional judgment or the judgment of other clinicians in their practice. This publication does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought.
This publication is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods, or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties.